The Bits In Between

“There you are! Hiding out from Mum again?” Rose knelt on the grate of the console floor to get even with the Doctor. It amazed her how adorable he could look sometimes. Like now, he had clearly been thinking, his hair was a mess. She was getting especially fond of his glasses, which were perched on the edge of his nose. She also loved the way his brow furrowed and his mouth opened when he was concentrating on something.

It also astonished her how quickly the adorable could turn geeky, though those usually went together, or to sexy or dangerous, or any combination of them. It both frightened her and turned her on. As long as he yelled, she knew things weren’t too bad. It was when his rage turned silent that she was worried. Though she knew as long as it didn’t turn on her, she shouldn’t be concerned.

Of course, she quite liked making him yell in other ways. She knew he enjoyed doing it to her even more.

She leaned over to get a closer look. He was fiddling with some wires and muttering something the TARDIS didn’t translate. He barely looked up and absent-mindedly kissed her and went back to work. She sat completely. She knew better than to interrupt his “TARDIS time”, as she called it. If she didn’t know better, she’d be jealous of the ship. As it was, she loved it almost as much as he did. She considered it home now. Her mum’s flat was just a place she grew up and visited. This was where she belonged.

He looked up at a giggle. He gave her a melting grin. “Hello! When did you get here?”

She smiled and rolled her eyes. “Hello, what are you doing?”

“Fancy a holiday?”

“Avoiding the question?”

“No, do you?”

“Wouldn’t mind. Why?”

“The old girl isn’t feeling well since the crossover. Thought I’d take her to Cardiff, soak up the energy. We’d take on the town while we wait.”

“’Cause that went so well last time. We’re bound to find trouble or it will find us.”

“Now, now, the only trouble I had in mind was dinner, dancing, possibly some alcohol, and some ‘dancing’ in a strange bed. What d’ya say?” He smiled and raised his eyebrows.

“A proper date? The two of us? Really?”

“Could happen. Come on. You know you want to.”

“Alright then, mister. You’re on. What do I tell Mum?”

“I know I’m going to regret this. Tell her the plan, well, not the whole plan. Get her a train schedule and invite her for lunch tomorrow. We’ll leave from there and she can see us off.” He was standing now but was deep enough down in so she could only see him from the waist up.

“Dunno. Might need some convincing.” She had that gleam in her eye. He got one too and grabbed her hips. She opened her legs and he pulled her to him. He kept his hands where they were as she wrapped her legs around him. Her hands made their way into his hair and they seriously snogged.

“How’s that?”

“Hm. Might take a bit more.” He smiled against her as he nipped her bottom lip. As far as she was concerned, he could keep doing that delicious thing with his tongue for awhile.

“And now?” He rested his forehead on hers. They were both a bit breathless.

“Suppose that’ll do.”

“Too bad. I was just about to do this.” He gently pushed her back so she was lying down. He lifted her shirt and peppered her stomach with kisses. “But since I’ve convinced you, let’s go talk to Jackie.” He pulled himself out.

She got up as well and made her way to the door. “I can tell you’re getting older. You’d rather talk to my mother than get into my pants.”

He followed her numbly. This was not going according to plan. “I didn’t say…”

“No, I get it. When you reach your age, you have to pace yourself. Don’t want to wear yourself out. Not when you are so feeble and meek.”

“I’ll show you feeble and meek. Once we’re alone, I’m going too…”

“Mum! We have a surprise for you!” She flew open the door and he checked to make sure the front of his trousers were presentable.

Jackie loved the idea. It still kind of jarred Rose that not only did her mother know about her and the Doctor, she accepted it as well. She was pleasantly surprised the morning after they had arrived to find him wrapped around her, under the blankets. She had gotten up to use the loo and found Jackie in the kitchen. She turned and hugged her fiercely. “Just be happy, love.”

“I am Mum. I really and truly am, in a way I never imagined possible.”

They left soon after. Once they landed, they went to work opening up the engines. By the time they were finished, it was late afternoon. “Right then, I’ll pick you up in three hours.”

“Pick me up?”

“Date. That’s what blokes do isn’t it? Pick their girls up?”

“Yeah, it is.” She gave him a quick peck. “Three hours to get sexy? Don’t know if can be done.” She walked away.

He watched her and murmured to himself. “You already are sexy.”

It was times like this she regretted packing only for running away and adventure. She had a classic crisis. She had nothing to wear. She had showered and went to do something with her hair and make-up when she realised she didn’t know what frock would go with said hair and make-up. She was currently in the wardrobe room wearing a dressing gown, tapping her foot. Usually she loved living the female dream of having all these clothes at her fingertips, but right now she was on a schedule.

She ran her hand over the various garments when something made her stop. She pulled out the hanger and smiled. “Perfect.” She went quickly to find shoes and jewellery.

An hour later she was putting on the finishing touches: checking her hair, applying lip gloss, spraying perfume, when there was a knock on the door.

The Doctor looked around. He had studied humans for so long he knew the motions of a date. What he didn’t expect was the nervousness. She was his, he was certain. There was little chance of her not coming home with him at the end of the night, but there was still that small piece of doubt. She hadn’t said how she felt out loud, but neither had he.

The door opened and he was breathless. Her dress was black silk. It come to the tops of her knees and was low cut but not indecent. Just the swell of her cleavage could be seen. It was sleeveless and plunged into a deep scoop. She wore something he remembered was called a shrug on he shoulders. Her necklace was a black teardrop pendant that drew his eyes (‘and anyone else’s’ he ruefully thought) to her chest. Her earrings matched. She had on dancing shoes. She had done that thing that only women could successfully accomplish: her hair looked like it took no effort but he knew otherwise. Her eyes were smoky and inviting and her lips were shiny, pale and even more inviting. At this point he wasn’t sure they would make it outside.

He could only think of one thing to say, “You look beautiful.”

She laughed. “For a human?”

“For anything ever.” She blushed. He loved that he could still do that to her.

“Those for me?” She gestured to his hand. He had forgotten about the bouquet.

“Yes. Date and all.” He presented them proudly.

“Blimey! Did you get the whole flower shop?”

“One of everything but roses. Thought that was a bit obvious.”

“Well, I suppose I should put these in something before we go.” She turned out of the room and her skirt billowed out. He watched her walk away appreciatively and made to follow her.

By the time they left, the sun had started to set. “How are you paying for tonight?” She took his arm.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Well, I don’t fancy doing a runner and messing up this effort.”

“Don’t worry about it. Here we are then.” He held a door open. She looked around. All the tables were candlelit and intimate. They surrounded a large dance floor. It was incredibly romantic.

The hostess saw them and smiled. “Mr. Smith, the chef has been expecting you. Follow me.” She took them to a table slightly hidden away from everything. The chef greeted them.

“Ah, Mr. Smith, you’ve arrived. And this must be Miss Tyler.” He kissed her hand. “You were right. She is stunning, effulgent even. As I promised, whatever you want is yours. My treat. Thank you.” He left them.

“Someone’s been busy then.”

“I did him a favour. Let’s leave it at that.”

“Fine then, leave it a secret. So, what are we having then?”

“You heard the man, anything you want.” They worked their way through the menu, getting samples of everything. Before dessert, he led her to the dance floor. He spun her around for a few fast numbers. “You know what this reminds me of?”

“Yeah, our first time.”

“No regrets then?”

“None. I’d happily take the bad with good all over again.”

“Me too.” He bent down and kissed her. Before things could go too far, he led her back. They sat quietly for a few minutes while she traced lines across the back of the hand he had set on the table. Suddenly, her expression changed. “What?”

“You knew, didn’t you?”

“About what?”

“Mickey. You knew he would stay there. That’s why you brought him along. Why you used to call him Rickey.”

“You really want to talk about this now?”

“You promised you’d be honest.”

He sighed. “That I did. Yes. Well, no. I mean I always had a feeling he wasn’t meant to be here but since we couldn’t go to the other universe, I couldn’t do anything about it. And now, he’s where he belongs.”

She looked away. “Yeah, I guess so.”

“It’s okay to miss him, even mourn him. He deserves that.”

“I know. It’s just that he was always there and now he’s not.”

“Well, you have me.” He squeezed her hand. She looked at him and smiled.

“Yes, and you have me. So, are you going to feed me dessert or take me for another spin?” She appreciated his honesty and hated that she put a damper on the moment. But she had to clear the thoughts out of her head. Now she could focus squarely on him.

They were bordering on being one those sickenly sweet couples while they laughed and fed each other. As he led her back to the dance floor, he was very aware of the eyes on them. All the men looked at her like she was dinner. She took no notice. She was used to women looking at him, especially since the regeneration. He never showed signs of concern, so she didn’t either.

After a few dances, she excused herself to the loo. He watched her walk and away and stared daggers at the men he saw do the same. One of them stopped by him on his way to the bar. “Don’t worry, mate. She wouldn’t notice if one of us were on fire. I’d take advantage of that fact if I were you.”

“I’m planning on it.” His confidence was bolstered by the conversation but to be safe, when she returned, he held her a bit closer, kissed her a bit deeper. He was prepared to completely mark his territory when she whispered to him.

“Let’s get out of here.”

“You read my mind.” He stopped only long enough to grab his coat. He dragged her along as she giggled at his possessiveness. It was comforting to see him still get jealous though he had no reason to worry.

They got as far as a nearby bridge when he pulled her tightly to him. His mouth descended on hers. He tried desperately to remember they were in public as she sighed into his mouth and wrapped her arms around his neck. He moved to kiss a line from her lips to her shoulder, taking time to nip at her ear and to suck on her pulse. He made to pull away when she dragged his lips back down to hers. They separated and rested on each others foreheads. They breathlessly laughed. “We’re as bad as horny teenagers!”

He smirked. “Well, you keep me young.”

“Yeah?”

“Definitely.” He took her arms down and laced their fingers. They stood there smiling at each other rocking to and from one another for a few minutes. They were interrupted by a cough behind them.

“Excuse me young man, would like a flower for your young lady?” They turned to see a sweet old woman with a basket.

“I’d love to, but I’m sorry to say we have no money.”

”It’s alright. I can spare one for a couple as involved as you two. You make me miss my husband. It’s from his garden that these came.” She handed him one of the blooms. He and Rose laughed fondly because it was a red rose.

“Thank you. It’s perfect.” Rose touched the woman’s arm.

“He feels the same way about you. It’s clear in his eyes,” she turned to go. Rose poked him.

“Do you have my new phone?”

“Why?” He fumbled in his pockets.

“Just give it here. Excuse me, ma’am? Would you take our picture, please? I know it’s not fancy but it’s what we have.”

“Of course dear, what do I do?” She showed her and they posed.

“Hey wait! I have one too!” Rose helped him look. He excitedly pulled out his own phone and they repeated the process. Neither one noticed while they fumbled around, laughing and touching that the old woman took a few more photos on each phone. She returned them and said good-bye.

“She called me young man!”

“I know. She was sweet and now we have keepsakes from tonight. Not that I plan on forgetting it anytime soon.”

“And it’ll only get better.”

“Where are we going now?”

“I promised a strange bed.”

“All those rooms in the TARDIS and you want to take me to a hotel!”

“Yep. Think of it, the excitement of the unknown. All the amenities. The crisp sheets we can mess up and don’t have to clean afterwards. The making out in the lift.”

“I see your point. But there’s still the problem of funds.”

“Have I let you down yet?”

“Alright then. Can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve now.” They walked hand in hand until they reached an upscale place. “Very posh. Here?”

“Here. Come on.” He led her to the lobby. “Wait here.” She gave him a sceptical look but did as he said. He went to the main desk and turned on the charm. “Hello! Hi, reservation for Smith.”

The girl behind the counter typed a few things into her terminal. “Yes, here we are. Room 214.”

“Excuse me?” She was surprised to see the man become very offended.

“214? Second floor?”

“Oh, I don’t think so. Do you know who that is?” He gestured to the woman in the black dress twirling a rose in her hand.

“No, should I?”

“Look closer.”

Her eyes widened. “Is that….?”

“Yes, it is. Do you honestly think she would stay in room 214?”

“No sir. Let’s see. The Cunningham Suite is available, if you just give us a few minutes, we’ll have everything ready.”

”That’s more like it. Also, we should have a bag waiting. Send it up. And if you think she’s paying for this inconvenience, you’re sadly mistaken.”

“Of course, sir. This stay is completely on us.”

The Doctor walked back to Rose, hands in pockets, with a satisfied smile.

“You’re up to something.”

He took mock offence. “What do you mean?”

“You have that glint in your eye. Usually means trouble. And running. I am not running in these shoes. Trouble comes, you’re on your own.”

He kissed her cheek. “No running. Promise.”

The counter girl approached them carefully. “Excuse me, sir? The suite is ready. And miss, let me say it’s an honour having you stay at our hotel.” She backed away slowly after handing them a key.

Rose leaned into his ear. “Who does she think I am?”

“No idea. Got us a suite for free though! Oh look, an empty lift.” They got in, looking like springs ready to be sprung. As the door closed, they inched closer. They were about to devour each other when they heard a cry.

“Hold the lift!” A middle-aged man ran in. “Ta!” They watched each other from the corners of their eyes, their hands stroking each other, imitating what they wanted to be doing to other body parts. After what seemed like an eternity, the doors opened. “’Night folks!”

They didn’t even wait for the doors to close this time. One hand went up her thigh, another in his hair, another pushed her into the wall, another grabbed his bum. She gasped through her amusement as he nibbled his way down her neck.

“I certainly hope there’s no security camera in here.”

“If there is, we’ll give them one hell of a show.” They vaguely registered the door opening and made their way out. They continued kissing and touching their way down the hall. He opened the door and she slammed him into it as it shut. He eventually moved them to the bedroom.

“This thing.”

“Shrug.”

“Shrug, is lovely. Don’t want to ruin it. Off it comes.” She helped him and removed his coat as well. “And this,” he traced the path of the necklace, “is very dangerous. Were you trying to pull every man’s attention to this area?”

“Only one’s.”

“You had his already.” He smiled to himself as her breath hitched at his tracing the tops of her breasts. His mouth followed the trail of his fingers. Her hands wound into his hair.

“You know, Doctor, I have on considerably less than you.” He moaned appreciatively into her chest. “I think we should try and even the playing field.” She gently moved his head back and quirked an eyebrow at him.

He straightened reluctantly. “Okay then.” He turned and removed his jacket and tie. He untucked his shirt and just to not have that awkward moment at a crucial time, took off his trainers and socks. He turned back to find her in the same spot, only shoeless. “Now then, where were we?”

She dragged the rose across the top of her dress. “About here.” He picked her up, wrapping her legs around him, and carried her to the bed, head firmly in her cleavage the entire time. “I have other body parts that need attention.” She rocked her hips to prove her point.

“Yes, but these are so lovely. Good art should be appreciated. Let’s have a closer look, shall we?” He sat her up enough to undo the bodice and pulled it down. “No bra? How scandalous!” He bit at one of her nipples and she squeaked and batted at him half-heartedly. She could only describe what we has doing as making love to her breasts. She had reaped the benefits of his oral fixation before, but this was a whole other category. She nearly climaxed from that alone when he raised up. “You know, this dress is silk. It really should be hung up. Could you get up please?”

“You’ve got to be joking.”

“Oh no, one should take the care of one’s clothes very seriously. Come on, up you go.”

“I do not like you right now.”

“Oh, I bet I can change your mind about that.” He made a great show of removing the dress, placing in on a hanger and pointing out the lack of serious wrinkles. “Is there enough material there to actually call those knickers?” He went to investigate closer when she smacked him away.

“Not until we’re matching.” She started to undo his shirt. This time he batted her away.

“Alright then.” He took off his shirt and trousers and got very excited. “Oh, idea!” He ran to his coat and pulled something out of his pocket. “Yours.” She caught what he tossed her. “Mine!” He wielded his phone. She looked down and noticed she had hers. “For the private collection.” He flipped his open and she heard a click.

“You’re not!” He turned it to show her.

“But I am.” They spent the next few minutes teasing and taking pictures. “Now, about these knickers.” He slid them off her and took a picture of them. “Future reference.”

“Ah.” He set their phones off to the side and tossed the pants over his shoulder. He ran a hand up her leg and went to kiss her. She pulled away and shook her head. He cocked his in confusion. She pointed down. He smiled in understanding and flung his shorts across the room.

The evening had got them riled up and he slid into her with little ceremony. They moved together with the ease of two familiar lovers. When they finished, he flopped over onto the bed. “Well, that was…”

“Bad.”

“Yes, bad would be the word I was looking for.” They looked at each other and laughed. “It was bound to happen eventually.”

“I think we put too much pressure on ourselves to make the evening perfect.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you.”

“Hey, no reason to apologise. I’ve had a really good time. Maybe we’re just not meant for this normal couple stuff. If I had wanted that, I would have stayed at the estate. Besides, you get major points for trying.” She lifted his chin so he looked at her. She smiled and gave him a quick peck. “I think it’s good this happened. It didn’t send either of us running into the night. We can talk and laugh about it. That says something, doesn’t it?”

“Yes it does. Let’s see what the room looks like.” He got up and went straight to the other room. Modesty was something he no longer had around her. She stopped in the bathroom and grabbed a dressing gown. She found him on the sofa eating from a fruit basket. He grinned up at her and brandished a bottle of champagne. “Whoever they think you are netted us some expensive bubbly.” He looked at the label. “I was there the year they made this. Maybe I stomped some of the grapes!”

He opened the bottle and took a swig. He handed her the bottle. “What? With everything we’ve shared, you’re worried about cooties from this?”

“Fair point.” She sat next to him. They passed the bottle back and forth. They ate from the basket, feeding each other. Soon the friendly touches turned to caresses. The pecks became deeper. The heat rose in the room.

“Try again?”

“Yes, please.” She was surprised to find him stand and turn.

“Hop on!” She did and laughed as he gave her a piggy back ride back to the bedroom. This time everything went right and they were pleasantly sated as they went to sleep.

The Doctor half woke hours later and reached for Rose. He found an empty spot instead. He sat up and momentarily panicked at where she could have gone. He had too many nightmares like this. A noise pulled him back to normal. He never thought he’d be relieved to hear a toilet flush. Soon after the faucet shut off, she opened the door.

She had taken off her make-up and finger combed her hair. “Hello.”

“Hello. Come back to bed.” He reached for her. When she curled next to him, he tried not to make it too obvious he was touching as much of her as possible to reassure himself she was okay. He pulled his jacket to him and put on his glasses. He picked up one the phones and scrolled through the pictures. “Your mother better never go through my phone.”

She laughed. “She knows. She had to.”

“Yes, she knows, but she doesn’t need to know.”

“Well, she’s gonna know soon. We’re meeting her in a bit and I’ll be in that dress.”

“No you won’t.”

“I’m not meeting her nude!”

“Look over there.” He pointed to a small suitcase she hadn’t noticed. “I grabbed some things I saw you wear together before. I didn’t expect you to meet your mum in whatever you decided to wear last night, since I had plans to keep you busy most of our time here.”

“Here’s to successful plans!” She kissed him and let her hand wander down his body. “How long ‘til her train gets here?”

He put himself between her legs. “Long enough.”

She made it to the station a minute before the train was scheduled to arrive. The Doctor had went ahead to get a table. She lucked out as the train was apparently delayed. Her phone rang. “Hello?”

“What are you wearing?”

“Where are you?”

“Outside of the restaurant. Answer the question.”

“You should know. You picked it out.”

“Oh, that’s right. I also know what’s on underneath it. Is your mum there?”

“No, the train’s delayed. Are you trying to have phone sex?”

“Yes I am. And I would love to touch you right now.”

“I’d do it for you but I’m in public.”

“Well, I have a very good imagination. I can see myself teasing you, getting you to do that moaning sigh thing.”

“You like that? I can see myself kissing down your body, not quite touching you where you want.”

”Oh yes. I can see you on top of me.”

“Mmm, what else do you see?”

“Hello, love.” She almost dropped the phone from the shock.

“Hi, Mum.”

“Who are you talking to?”

“The, um, Doctor, he was meeting us.” She heard him give a frustrated groan at the other end.

“Have a good time then?”

“Yeah, great.” They got to the restaurant and the Doctor gave Rose a pained look. “Sorry,” she mouthed. He shrugged it off and they went in.

Lunch was a success. The Doctor only insulted Jackie once, while she ignored him and Rose playing with and holding each other’s hands across the table. Rose just enjoyed herself. For a fleeting moment she worried he found the whole situation too domestic and he’d go running but he looked at her, gave her hand a squeeze and a melting smile and she was reassured.

“So, what kind of trouble you two plan on getting into now? Another date? Overthrow a monarchy? Got to some strange planet where everyone had their ears on their arms?”

“Oi, that’s a lovely place. Don’t knock it until you’ve been there. I don’t know. What d’ya think Rose?”

“No royalty thanks. That didn’t go so well last time.”

“My own daughter, banished from her own country!”

“Don’t worry Mum, I’m sure all that’s forgotten by now. We hardly ever cause that big of a ripple. Right?”

“Yep. Besides, I’ve been banished from whole planets who later welcome me back. No concerns there. I wouldn’t mind a bit of music.”

“’Cause we’ve actually made it to a concert, that’s what got us in the banishment issue before.”

“That sounds like a challenge. Right then, royalty, music, no chance of getting kicked out of country. One solution to all that: Elvis.”

“Oh Rose, I’m jealous. You’ve got to go.”

“Alright Mum, Elvis it is. What should I wear?”

“Wardrobe room, second level, fifth rack. It will be perfect.”

They said their good-byes and made to leave. “Oi! Doctor! Is this your phone? Oh, it’s one of those camera things like Rose has. Taken any good shots? That’s interesting.” They both blanched and ran back to Jackie. For once his rudeness came in handy; Jackie took no offence when he ripped the phone from her hands.

“Could I have a copy of that?” They let out their collective held breaths. It was them on the bridge.

“Sure, Mum. We’ll bring it to you next time we come ‘round.”

“Any other good shots on there?”

“NO!” They yelled together.

“Alright, no need to get excited. Off you go then. Make sure you call.”

“Phone works both ways Mum.”

“Still, you should call your mother.”

“Alright Mum. See you soon.” They hugged and kissed each other’s cheeks. Jackie chased after the Doctor and wrapped her arms around him. He finally shook free and meekly waved.

Rose laughed and dragged him to the TARDIS. She leaned against the door and let him walk to the console. She watched him work his magic and thought out loud, “This was fun but I’m glad to be home. I like watching you work.”

“I like you liking me working. Give me your phone and I’ll put the pictures into the system.” She came to him but kept the pone out of his reach. He laughed and snogged her into submission. “You best get changed.”

She gave him a mock salute and went to the wardrobe. She was prepared for spandex and wedge heels, thinking Vegas. She was stunned to find crinoline and letter sweaters where he told her to look. She shrugged and went about picking her pieces.

He left the phones and went change and get a little something to surprise her with. As he pomaded his hair up, he formulated how he was going to hide a Vespa in the control room. When he had everything set, he went to find his date.

He found her putting on the finishing bit of lipstick. He looked her up and down. “I love the whole ensemble.” She turned to him with a huge smile.

“I love the hair. In fact, I’m planning how to mess it up later.” It was his turn to grin as he offered her his arm. Once at the console, he set them in motion and went to kiss her. She pulled back. “Lipstick.” He kissed her anyway.

Had they been watching the monitor as they left they would have seen a familiar but shocked face running toward the dematerialisation.